Reconciliation Or Realignment? Whose Peace, Whose Profit? -By Prof. Leonard Karshima Shilgba

There is smoke in Abuja again—and as usual, it is not from a cooking pot meant to feed the hungry in Benue.

Recent reports of a proposed reconciliation meeting between Hyacinth Alia and George Akume, reportedly at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are not entirely speculative. They are consistent with a pattern of interventions by the Presidency over the past year.

Indeed, as far back as February 2026, President Tinubu—through Vice President Kashim Shettima—publicly urged both men to “mend fences” for the sake of peace and development in Benue State.
This followed earlier tensions rooted in disagreements over political control, appointments, and party structures after the 2023 elections.

So yes, the “reconciliation” narrative is not fiction. It is part of an ongoing political project.

But the real question is this: reconciliation for what—and for whom?

The Real Issues Beneath the Handshake

Let us not pretend this is a quarrel over who forgot to greet whom at a wedding.

The underlying issues are structural and political:

•Control of APC structures in Benue State

•Influence over appointments and patronage networks (“sharing the people’s cake”)

•The question of political supremacy—who leads Benue politically?

•Alignment ahead of 2027 electoral calculations

In simple terms: this is less about peace and more about power calibration.

And power, in Nigerian politics, rarely goes on sabbatical for the sake of the masses.

Where Are the People of Benue in This Script?

Now, this is where the matter becomes morally uncomfortable.

Benue people are not asking for reconciliation dinners in Abuja.
They are asking for:

•Security from relentless attacks
•Functional infrastructure
•Economic revival
•Justice for the dead and protection for the living

Yet, in many of these elite reconciliations, the people appear only as footnotes in communiqués—not as the central thesis.

One is tempted to ask: Will this reconciliation reduce insecurity in Guma? Will it rebuild devastated communities? Or will it merely harmonize political interests?

Because if it is the latter, then what we are witnessing is not reconciliation—it is elite convergence.

Who Really Benefits? (Let Us Be Honest)

Let us speak plainly—without losing our sense of humour.

If this reconciliation succeeds, the likely beneficiaries are:

1. The ruling party machinery—which prefers internal unity over public accountability
2. Political actors preparing for 2027—who need a united front
3. Power brokers—whose influence thrives in coordinated structures

And perhaps, somewhere at the very bottom of the list, the people of Benue—if they are lucky enough to be remembered after the group photograph.

The Tinubu Factor: Unity or Utility?

It is not surprising that President Tinubu is interested in this reconciliation.

Every seasoned political leader understands one principle: division weakens electoral strength; unity consolidates it.

So yes, a united Benue APC may serve national political calculations.

But here lies the moral tension:

When unity is pursued primarily for political advantage, development becomes a side effect—not the objective.

A Word to Both Camps (With Respect and a Smile)

To Governor Alia:
You were elected to govern—not to inherit political quarrels indefinitely. You have done very well for the Benue masses in under three years. Be wary of any shifts that may derail this focus. However, accept accomodations that only guarantee improved governance and service to the people that you love and among whom you indubitably remain popular, and who dearly love you.

To SGF Akume:
Statesmanship is not measured by influence alone, but by legacy. Sir, you have found an effective Governor in Hyacinth Iormem Alia. Do nothing that will reduce your legacy in the eyes of the discerning. You are approaching the twilight of your political adventure: legacy, legacy should always resound in your consciousness. Doubtlessly, you were instrumental to the emergence of Alia as APC flag bearer in 2022. The majority of your Benue people appreciate the service he is rendering to them. You are too wise to be used by political opportunists who don’t love your people.
As you told me in 2017 when my wife and I visited you to officially tell you of my appointment by President Buhari as the Chairman of the 9th Governing Board of NABTEB, “See how you can use this position to help Benue,” I must affirm that Alia has used his position as Governor to help Benue. I know you have discerned this yourself. And you must feel a sense of fulfillment.

And to both:
Benue does not need a peace treaty between elites. Benue needs peace on its soil.

Final Thought: Reconciliation Must Mean Something

I have consistently advocated peaceful coexistence between these leaders—but only within the framework of purposeful governance.

Any reconciliation that:

•Strengthens political dominance but weakens public welfare,

•Aligns elites but ignores citizens; and

•Serves 2027 but neglects 2026 realities

…is not worth celebrating.

It is merely a rearrangement of chairs (a mathematical permutation) in a house that still needs repair.

Conclusion (With a Gentle Reminder)

True reconciliation should answer three questions:

1. Does it improve the lives of the people?

2. Does it strengthen justice and security?

3. Does it prioritize the common good over political convenience?

If the answer is “no,” then what we have is not reconciliation.

It is simply politics—wearing the borrowed robe of peace.